Former Super Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo insists Nigeria’s World Cup dreams remain alive despite a 1–1 draw with South Africa.
The result in Bloemfontein has left Nigeria in a precarious position in Group C. With two games remaining, the Super Eagles sit on 11 points six behind leaders South Africa, who have 17 and level with Benin Republic, who possess a game in hand.
Ekpo spoke , reaffirming belief and stressing urgency: “The Super Eagles’ hope of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is not over yet. The most important thing at the moment is for the team to win their remaining two games and hope other countries from other groups fail to get higher points. So, I still believe that the Super Eagles will make it to football’s biggest showpiece. The draw against South Africa doesn’t mean that we are out of the World Cup race. Until the final game, I am still optimistic Nigeria can qualify for the World Cup.”
Editorial
We feel the weight of expectation now heavier than ever. A draw away to South Africa a result many would have labelled acceptable has instead magnified the fragile state of our campaign. Yet, even in this uncertainty, we discern the spark of hope that refuses to die out.
We observe Ekpo’s steadfast refusal to concede defeat not as denial, but as the embodiment of the resilience that has long defined Nigerian football. It is telling that qualification remains mathematically within reach not through speculation, but through performance: win two, and fate may still favour us.
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We urge the team to seize the moment. There is strength in simplicity focus on preparation, meticulous in execution, and unwavering in belief. Whether through disciplined defense, creative transitions, or clinical finishing, each match must become a test of character and clarity of purpose.
We hold firm to the conviction that adversity can be transformative rather than terminal. This is not the time to recoil but to stand taller, shoulder to shoulder with every fan who still dares to dream. We began believing, and we continue believing—even when the margin is razor-thin. And that resolve must guide us until the final whistle of the campaign.
Did You Know?
- Nigeria have not qualified for back-to-back World Cups since 2002 and 2006, after missing the 2022 edition.
- Their last away point in World Cup qualifying came in 2017, drawing 1–1 with Zambia under Gernot Rohr.
- The Super Eagles’ head coach, Eric Chelle, emphasised “silver linings” from the South Africa draw, claiming it was a “good result” given the circumstances.
- William Troost-Ekong after a win over Rwanda revealed his side made no celebration post-match, already turning focus to the South Africa challenge.
- Among those trailing Nigeria in Group C, Benin Republic staged a dramatic comeback on Matchday 8, beating Lesotho 4–0 to overtake the Super Eagles in points.
